International Women’s Day is a global celebration of progress, achievement, and the inspiring women shaping the world. This year, we’re marking the occasion with a milestone of our own—the inaugural Gralloch Sportive is set to welcome our highest-ever percentage of female participants across any Red On Sports event. With three months to go until the Sportive, an incredible 50% of entries are from women, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for gravel cycling among female riders.
Among those taking on The Gralloch Sportive is Emma Clark. New to the world of gravel cycling, Emma will be riding her first-ever gravel event at The Gralloch, not just as a participant but also as a Gravel Captain—a friendly and supportive presence for fellow newcomers. As a full-time teacher and cycling enthusiast, Emma embodies the idea that you don’t need to be a professional athlete to embrace and enjoy the sport. She is proof that cycling can fit into busy lives and be a source of adventure, well-being, and community.
Cycling for Headspace
Emma, you regularly say that you 'cycle for headspace', can you explain exactly what you mean by this? And how does it help you in your everyday life?
“When I set off on a ride, my mind is usually full of thoughts, either reflecting on the past week at work or thinking about what's coming up next. However, after about half an hour my mind noticeably quietens down and from that point on, I’m fully focused on the ride — following the route, taking in the scenery, climbing hills and looking forward to the next cafe stop. If I go too long without riding, I start to feel restless and anxious about making time for my next ride, because I know how important this time is for my mental health.”
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Balancing Work, Life, and Cycling
You are a full time teacher and content creator, how do you find enough hours in the day to do it all?
“Life as a teacher comes in waves of busyness, especially during the term. Some weeks I’m just trying to make it to Friday while others offer more cycling opportunities. Something I’ve come to realise and embrace is that I don’t enjoy cycling if I’m forcing myself to go out when I’m tired, rushed or just not feeling it. I cycle for fun, so I wait until I actually want to do it. I know many people thrive off routines and being disciplined - that’s just not for me!
I try to cycle to work once a week and on weekends, I aim for a longer ride and usually manage to get out. However, I’ve learned not to dwell on those times when life (or the weather) gets in the way. Another way I fit longer rides in is by cycling to weekend destinations while my very accommodating (non-cyclist, boo) partner drives. It gives me an opportunity to get a long ride in with the reassurance of a rescue along the way if I don’t make it. I have needed that rescue a couple of times!
Things change when the holidays roll around as I try to make the most of the time off by planning longer rides and mini adventures.”
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Exploring New Horizons on Two Wheels
You have previously said you cycle for the adventure and time outside, where is the best place your bike has taken you? And where do you plan to go in 2025 and beyond?
“I love rides that take me somewhere new and feel like a bit of an adventure, like cycling across a new part of the country and building in some epic scenery along the way. I’ve climbed mountains in Mallorca and the Pyrenees but I equally love the rough and rugged landscapes the UK has to offer. More recently, I’ve started to explore some of the gravel locations dotted around the UK, such as the New Forest and Elan Valley in Wales. I’d like to explore Scotland and I'm looking forward to experiencing the Galloway Forest for the first time at The Gralloch. Beyond that, I'm keen to make a move into bike-packing, though it's likely to be between hotels and not with a tent strapped to my bike!“
Encouraging More Women to Ride
What advice would you give to other women, looking for exercise to help with mental health and being outdoors, who are nervous or scared to start?
“I’ve had many conversations with both women and men who want to get into cycling but are nervous of cycling on the roads - which is completely understandable. What helped me when I felt this way was to ride with someone who could provide advice and reassurance along the way. For me, that was my Dad and he played a huge role in easing me through those initial concerns—getting used to clipping in, navigating busier roads and tackling longer distances. So, finding a cycling buddy with some experience might be a good place to start. I’ve come across some fantastic cycling clubs and groups recently with a female focus and it certainly seems to be something that continues to grow in popularity. One local club had a ‘couch to 50k’ group, which I think is a brilliant idea.
Once I started riding solo, my confidence and fitness grew naturally by getting out regularly and gradually pushing my comfort zone with longer distances. Trust the process - get out as regularly as works for you, build up the elevation and miles gradually and you’ll soon be planning a 50 mile cafe loop on a Saturday morning!
If the roads still aren’t for you, then I would suggest checking out gravel riding. It can be a bit trickier to pull together long gravel routes depending on where you live, but if you can get out to some of the gravel hot spots across the UK, I’m sure you’ll love it.”
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From when you started cycling to now, how do you feel that it has helped you in life and why would you suggest it as a sport for other women?
It feels like the female cycling community is growing so, as well as the physical and health benefits, it’s a great way to become part of a community of like-minded people. I’ve only ever felt inspired, motivated and welcomed by the female cyclists I’ve met along the way.
Emma Clark will be at The Gralloch Sportive this year as a Gravel Captain, ready to welcome and support new riders taking on their first gravel adventure. Follow her journey on Instagram for more insights, inspiration, and stunning cycling routes!
